Published: July 02, 2009 08:45 pm      

Edmond residents give police officer a lift

EDMOND — An Edmond Police officer has a little less to worry about thanks to a group of weightlifters who raised $7,000 for his family.

Last weekend, other police officers and members of the public pumped iron and did other exercises for Kennedy Stearns. The 8-year-old is the daughter of Police Officer Jason Stearns.

Kennedy is battling leukemia, and a longtime family friend, Brian Attebery, owner of Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, wanted to do something to help with the mounting medical bills. Attebery said the event raised about $7,000, and more donations are coming.

A shaved ice stand across the street from Attebery’s gym donated 10 percent of its proceeds from Saturday. And other Edmond officers were among the lifters.

Also, donations for Kennedy will continue to be accepted, Attebery said.

Officer Stearns said he is grateful to all those who made a donation and lifted during the Leukemia Lift A-Thon. Some of the funds already have been spent on medical bills, Stearns said. It feels good not having to go into debt, he said.

Stearns said while Kennedy’s leukemia is in remission, she will continue to undergo chemotherapy in the hopes that the disease will be completely defeated. The treatments have her feeling a bit depressed and ill at times, he said.

Attebery said the event will return next year, and a new recipient will be chosen. Attebery said he will be including other events, like a 5-K walk, to involve more participants.

To make a donation, mail checks to the Kennedy Stearns Fund, 1425 S. Santa Fe, Suite H, Edmond, OK, 73003, which is Results’ physical address.



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